Hardware problems – PRG DMX Reference Guide 5.4 User Manual
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DMX512 REFERENCE GUIDE
I’m using timing channels in Extended Mode and my lights are moving in a jerky and erratic manner.
Ensure that you are not sending both timing channel values and console cue time to the Smart Repeater units. The
software in the Smart Repeater unit can resolve one set timing information or the other, but not both simultaneously.
Check the console manual to find the proper syntax to create a part cue with a time of zero.
Now that I’ve programmed my whole show using timing channels in Extended Mode, I can’t "back into" or
"skip" a cue for editing without waiting for the timing to complete.
Create a submaster or group of all timing channels for all luminaires at a level of 100%. Enable this submaster or
group before sending the "go back" or "go to cue" command. Don’t forget to clear the submaster or group before
updating the cue. Remember a value of 100% in a timing channel causes that channel to react to cue timing.
Hardware Problems
None of the lights on one of my Smart Repeater units is working.
Ensure that the proper voltage is applied to the Smart Repeater unit. Ensure that the amber neon indicator next to the
Series 200 male plug is on.
The first few channels of the light plugged into port 1 work, but they soon control the wrong attributes, and
none of the other lights work properly.
Look at the end of the Smart Repeater unit next to the thumbwheel switch and check the number showing in the
seven segment display. Ensure that the proper mode is selected, and the system should operate properly again.
I have control of my VL6 spot luminaire, but I can’t get its lamp to strike.
Check the SixPack chassis and ensure that there is an APS6 module in place. Assure its switch is turned on in the
proper rack port. Ensure that you have the proper module type: an APS6 module as opposed to a C3 module. Also
check that the proper APS6 cable is plugged into the SixPack chassis.
I have not changed my patch or my Smart Repeater unit’s addressing, but when I power up the system, some
of my lights aren’t responding the same way as in the past.
Check the mode of the Smart Repeater unit(s) in question. By looking at the seven-segment display to see what
number is lit. If this number is not what you were expecting, reset the mode. See
for instructions. There is a battery in the Smart Repeater unit that will cause this device to default to Mode 4 if it fails .
If this is the case, reset the Smart Repeater unit to the proper mode, and the patch will be correct. Then, contact an
Account Manager to arrange for a replacement.
The Seven Segment Display in my Smart Repeater unit does not have a number, but a letter.
The number shown in the Seven Segment Display will always denote which operating mode the Smart Repeater Unit.
However, it can also be used to troubleshoot your system. Other codes that will show up and what they indicate:
+
d - DMX512 signal applied, alternates with the mode setting.
n - No DMX512 signal appears only after the DMX512 O/S download. Apply DMX512 "signal, or turn on console.
+
E - Error: Invalid start address. Re-address Smart Repeater Unit. Valid addresses are 001 - 506.
+
C - Code: Invalid DMX512 start code. Check the integrity of your DMX512 cable -- a very rare occurrence.
Note: Shows currently programmed using DMX 4.0 Software can use Mode 5 or 6 without reprogramming. The RJ-
45 jumper is no longer required in DMX 5.1.